It all started with a bike and a breakdown
Look, I never thought I’d be that guy. The one who quits his six-figure job to chase some… some passion. But here I am, writing this from my tiny apartment in Portland, surrounded by wrenches, oil cans, and a growing collection of Hondas.
It was about three months ago, last Tuesday actually, when I finally snapped. I was sitting in a meeting—another meeting—with Marcus, let’s call him, from the acquisitions team. He was droning on about synergies and scalability, and I just… I couldn’t take it anymore. I mean, I had a 2019 CBR500R parked in my garage, gathering dust, and here I was, wasting my life in a windowless conference room.
So, I did something crazy. I told Marcus, “I’m out.” Just like that. He looked at me like I’d grown a second head. “You’re what?” he said. “I’m done,” I told him. “I’m gonna ride my bike and see where the road takes me.”
Which… yeah. Fair enough. I didn’t have a plan. But I knew I had to get out.
But why Hondas?
Honestly, it’s a long story. It started back in 2008, when my buddy Dave—colleague named Dave, not the one from accounting—dragged me to a Honda dealership in Austin. “You gotta see this,” he said. “It’s a game—uh, I mean, it’s a bike. Just come on.”
And there it was. A shiny, black CBR600RR. I was hooked. I didn’t buy it that day, but the seed was planted. Fast forward to 2023, and I’ve got a garage full of Hondas. The CBR500R, a CT90, a Gold Wing, and a few others I can’t even remember the names of right now.
But it’s not just about the bikes. It’s about the freedom. The committment to living life on my terms. I mean, I’m not rich, but I’m happier than I’ve been in years. I wake up, I ride, I write about it. Simple as that.
Outfit ideas casual style tips and other distractions
Now, I know what you’re thinking. “This guy’s lost it.” And maybe you’re right. But hear me out. Riding a bike isn’t just about the thrill. It’s about the lifestyle. The way you dress, the way you think, the way you live. And let me tell you, outfit ideas casual style tips are a big part of that.
I remember the first time I rode my CBR500R to a coffee shop on 5th. I was wearing my usual work attire—a button-down, slacks, the whole nine yards. But as I sat there, sipping my latte, I realized how ridiculous I looked. I mean, who wears slacks on a bike? Not this guy.
So, I made a change. I started wearing what I wanted. Jeans, boots, a leather jacket. And you know what? It felt amazing. I was finally being true to myself. And that’s what riding a Honda is all about. It’s about freedom, both on and off the road.
A tangent about coffee and bikes
Speaking of coffee, I gotta tell you about this little place I found. It’s not much, just a tiny shop on the corner of 12th and Main. But they make the best coffee in town. And the best part? They have a bike rack out front. I mean, how cool is that?
I go there every morning, rain or shine. I park my bike, walk in, and order the same thing every time—a large black coffee, no sugar, no cream. The barista, let’s call her Sarah, knows me by name now. “Morning, Mike,” she’ll say. “The usual?” And I’ll nod, because why mess with a good thing?
It’s these little moments that make life worth living. The simple pleasures. The freedom to ride where you want, when you want, and to stop for coffee along the way. It’s not about the destination, it’s about the journey. And my journey is filled with Hondas, coffee, and a whole lot of freedom.
So, if you’re thinking about quitting your job to ride bikes full-time, do it. Just do it. Life’s too short to spend it in a windowless conference room. Get out there, find your passion, and live your life on your terms.
And who knows? Maybe I’ll see you at the coffee shop on 12th and Main. Bring your bike.
About the Author
Mike Reynolds is a former corporate drone who traded in his suit for a leather jacket and a Honda CBR500R. When he’s not riding, he’s writing about his adventures on Hondabikes.net. He lives in Portland with his dog, a golden retriever named Buddy, and a growing collection of Hondas.